Ivory vs. Ecru — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 27, 2023
Ivory is a slightly yellowish white color, named after elephant tusks, while ecru is a beige or grayish-yellow resembling unbleached linen.
Difference Between Ivory and Ecru
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Ivory is a shade often described as a soft, slightly yellowish white, akin to the color of elephant tusks and piano keys. Ecru, on the other hand, leans towards a beige or light grayish-yellow tone. Both represent neutral colors, but ivory is closer to pure white.
In terms of origin, "ivory" is derived from the material it represents: the hard, white substance in elephant tusks. Ecru, however, comes from the French word meaning “unbleached” or “raw”, often associated with the natural color of linen before processing.
When used in interior design, ivory creates a sense of calmness and elegance, often used in spaces seeking a warm white hue. Ecru, conversely, offers a more earthy, natural vibe, suitable for rustic or minimalistic styles.
In fashion, ivory is a popular choice for bridal gowns, symbolizing purity and simplicity. Ecru, with its more casual and natural look, is often seen in day-to-day wear and casual clothing lines.
Ivory is often preferred in traditional settings, offering a classic, timeless appeal. Ecru, with its natural and unrefined undertones, tends to be favored in contemporary, eco-friendly, and bohemian contexts.
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Comparison Chart
Hue
Slightly yellowish white
Beige or grayish-yellow
Origin
Named after elephant tusks
French word for “unbleached”
Interior Design Use
Creates calmness and elegance
Offers an earthy, natural vibe
Fashion Preference
Bridal gowns, symbolizes purity
Casual wear, natural look
Contextual Preference
Traditional, classic settings
Contemporary, eco-friendly styles
Compare with Definitions
Ivory
A descriptor for something valuable, precious, or high-quality.
His collection of ivory figurines was his prized possession.
Ecru
The natural color of unprocessed, unbleached cloth or yarn.
The ecru curtains brought a rustic feel to the room.
Ivory
A hard, creamy-white substance from elephant tusks.
The antique carving was made of genuine ivory.
Ecru
A descriptor for objects or shades resembling raw linen or cotton.
The ecru tablecloth gave the dining room a homely atmosphere.
Ivory
A creamy white color, slightly tinged with yellow.
She chose an ivory gown for her wedding.
Ecru
A pale, grayish-yellow color, resembling unbleached linen.
She dressed in an ecru summer dress.
Ivory
Material resembling the substance from tusks, used in manufacturing.
The ivory chess pieces felt smooth to the touch.
Ecru
A term used in fashion to describe a neutral, earthy color.
His ecru sweater complemented his casual style.
Ivory
A term used for objects or substances of similar appearance to elephant tusks.
The piano's ivory keys were yellowed with age.
Ecru
Ecru is the colour of unbleached linen.Traditionally ecru was considered a shade of beige, but beginning in the 19th century it became more precisely defined as "a grayish yellow that is greener and paler than chamois or old ivory". Ecru comes from the French word écru, which means "unbleached".
Ivory
Ivory is a hard, white material from the tusks (traditionally from elephants) and teeth of animals, that consists mainly of dentine, one of the physical structures of teeth and tusks. The chemical structure of the teeth and tusks of mammals is the same, regardless of the species of origin.
Ecru
The light fawn colour of unbleached linen
Shades of white, black, and ecru
An ecru cardigan
Ivory
A hard creamy-white substance composing the main part of the tusks of an elephant, walrus, or narwhal, often (especially formerly) used to make ornaments and other articles
A dagger with an ivory handle
Ecru
A grayish to pale yellow or light grayish-yellowish brown.
Ivory
The creamy-white colour of ivory
An ivory silk blouse
Ecru
A beige colour.
Ivory
A hard, smooth, yellowish-white substance composed primarily of dentin that forms the tusks of the elephant.
Ecru
Of a beige colour.
Ivory
A similar substance forming the tusks or teeth of certain other mammals, such as the walrus.
Ecru
Having the color or appearance of unbleached stuff, as silk, linen, or the like.
Ivory
A tusk, especially an elephant's tusk.
Ecru
A very light brown
Ivory
An article made of ivory.
Ecru
A fabric or material that has an off-white, natural hue.
Her ecru scarf was made of organic cotton.
Ivory
A substance resembling ivory.
Ivory
A pale or grayish yellow to yellowish white.
Ivory
(Music) Piano keys.
Ivory
(Games) Dice.
Ivory
(Slang) The teeth.
Ivory
Composed or constructed of ivory.
Ivory
Of a pale or grayish yellow to yellowish white.
Ivory
(uncountable) The hard white form of dentin which forms the tusks of elephants, walruses and other animals.
Ivory
A creamy white color, the color of ivory.
Ivory
Something made from or resembling ivory.
Ivory
The teeth.
Ivory
The keys of a piano.
To tickle the ivories
Ivory
(slang) A white person.
Ivory
(informal) A die object bearing numbers, thrown in games of chance.
Ivory
Made of ivory.
Ivory
Resembling or having the colour of ivory.
Ivory
The hard, white, opaque, fine-grained substance constituting the tusks of the elephant. It is a variety of dentine, characterized by the minuteness and close arrangement of the tubes, as also by their double flexure. It is used in manufacturing articles of ornament or utility.
Ivory
The tusks themselves of the elephant, etc.
Ivory
Any carving executed in ivory.
Ivory
Teeth; as, to show one's ivories.
Ivory
A hard smooth ivory colored dentine that makes up most of the tusks of elephants and walruses
Ivory
A shade of white the color of bleached bones
Common Curiosities
Is ivory color suitable for formal occasions?
Yes, ivory is often chosen for its elegance and is suitable for formal events.
Can ecru be considered a fashion trend?
Yes, ecru has become trendy, especially in casual and natural-style clothing.
Is ivory considered a warm or cool color?
Ivory is generally considered a warm color due to its yellowish undertone.
Is ivory just another word for white?
No, ivory is a slightly yellowish white, different from pure white.
Can ecru be used as a neutral color in design?
Yes, ecru serves as a neutral, earthy tone in design.
Does ecru match well with other colors?
Yes, ecru's neutral tone pairs well with a wide range of colors.
Can ivory be used in any room of the house?
Yes, ivory's versatility makes it suitable for any room.
Are ivory and ecru the same color?
No, they are different; ivory is a soft white, while ecru is beige or grayish-yellow.
Is ivory a popular wedding dress color?
Yes, ivory is a classic and popular choice for wedding dresses.
Are ivory and ecru environmentally friendly colors?
The colors themselves are neutral; the environmental impact depends on the materials and production processes used.
Is real ivory still used in products?
Due to conservation efforts, real ivory is now rarely and legally used in products.
Is ecru a good choice for minimalist decor?
Yes, ecru's natural and understated tone suits minimalist decor.
Does ecru show dirt or stains easily?
Ecru can show stains, but not as readily as pure white.
Can ivory and ecru be used together in design?
Yes, combining ivory and ecru can create a harmonious, layered look.
Does ecru go out of style?
Ecru's timeless natural look keeps it perpetually in style.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
